Golf Club closures puts wedding day plans in jeopardy

Mentmore Golf and County Club, between Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury, announced on Sunday, June 7, that the venue had ceased trading with immediate effect.

Louise Clark, 25, of Leighton Buzzard, had her wedding booked at the venue for Sunday, August 30, and paid a deposit of £500.

She said: “I am devastated, it is my wedding day and it is only ten weeks away and now we have to find a new venue, everything was planned from the music to the table arrangements and now we have to go back to square one.

“We are looking at a venue tonight, but it will not be the same, the venue has to be in Aylesbury because that is where the registrar is booked.

“I am angry that I had to find out through Facebook that it was closing, they have not bothered contacting us.

“My mother-in-law had to keep ringing them and when she finally spoke to them they did not give her much information at all.

“We are trying to get our deposit but I really don’t know if we will get it back.”

An email circulated by director Matthew Bees to members reads: “It is with deepest sadness and regret that Mentmore Leisure Golf & Country Club can no longer sustain and run this business, and therefore as of Sunday, June 7, 2015, has ceased trading.

“As a director of this company it is my duty to inform you immediately, as this has become apparent to me in the last 24 hours.”

Vandyke Sixth Form have had to look for another venue for their prom, as it was due to be held at the Golf Club.

They have looked at Luton Hoo as an alternative venue but has advised students that it will be an extra £5 a head.

Leighton Buzzard Golf Club have estimated that 1,000 golfing members at Mentmore have been displaced as a result of the shock closure.

The Plantation Road club is offering a complimentary round of golf to displaced Mentmore members not familiar with the Leighton club and course.

President John Preston said: “We all feel for the staff at Mentmore who have lost their jobs and the members who have lost their golf club; we will do what we can to help anyone inconvenienced by the closure.

“We have a number of vacancies and a range of membership options.”

The venue is also licensed to hold civil weddings, with a registrar conducting formalities.